In theory, yes. Ibama’s rules only cover zoos, but they don’t prohibit individuals – so, if you wanted to have one, it would be enough for you to be able to comply with the same rules that zoos comply with. The problem is that they are quite complex (see below). If you manage to do all that, the panda is yours. And don’t even think about trying it out: in Brazil, the penalty for anyone caught with animals taken from the wild ranges from six months to one year in prison, plus a fine of up to R$5,000. If the species is rare, the feather can double. Oh, and in addition to being endangered, the giant panda is a symbol of China, so any case of mistreatment or death could strain relations between the two countries.
exotic companies
See what to do to get different animals
– (Beatriz Mayumi/)
1) SPIDERS, SNAKES AND SCORPIONS
There are only three legal breeders in the country to sell them. At home, you need an aquarium according to the size of the animal, water, a tree trunk or branch and a heat source.
2) HORSES
Treated by Ibama as domestic, they do not need authorization. Regarding space, trainer Eliedo Júnior recommends a 4 m² stall and an area of 300 m² for the animal to run and feed
3) BIG BIRDS
Birds such as macaws and toucans must come from licensed breeders (the invoice is proof that the animal is legal). The animals must carry the ring, that little ring for the leg, and the aviaries must allow the exercise. For a macaw, the space would need to be 6 x 1.5 x 2 m. There are also rules for nests, perches and screens.
4) IGUANAS, TORTOISES AND TURTLES
The purchase must be made at a legal breeder, which sells these animals with the invoice and a built-in microchip. The space requirements are the same as those required for snakes, but you still have an extra requirement: a source of ultraviolet light.
5) PANDAS
Prepare your pocket: the minimum mandatory space must be 1,500 m² in area (two soccer fields) and more than 4 m high. The panda’s diet is based on more than 20 species of insects, small mammals and bamboo, all of which need to be imported. The pandas also need to be formally transferred by the government of China, which charge rent (the zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland, pays US$ 1 million per year for a couple). Your income will be analyzed to certify that you can raise the animal and the Chinese government will send representatives to check the environment.
Reader Question – Sofia, Joinville, SC
CONSULTANCY Eliedo Júnior, manager and trainer at Haras Black Foot / SOURCES Press office of Ibama and Terra